Chris has more than 35 years’ experience in the BEMS industry, ranging from engineering and commissioning large BEMS projects to successfully managing businesses for system manufacturers. He started as an Apprentice at Satchwell Controls Systems Ltd, where he gained valuable expertise in controls theory and building applications. He progressed at Satchwell to manage regional businesses before leaving to join Gary Ford to co-found BMSi in 1998.
In 2011, Chris & Gary re-joined forces to acquire and put in place a business plan to grow Kendra Energy Solutions, taking it from a 3 person business to over 255 direct employees.
Chris is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers and The Energy Institute.
Gary has been involved in the energy management business for more than 45 years, managing a number of different businesses for corporate organisations as well as in the capacity of owner manager. After running several divisions of Satchwell Controls (now part of Schneider Electric), Gary, together with Chris Mills, launched a start-up business in the energy management field called BMSi in 1998. BMSi grew rapidly over the following 10 years, winning many prestigious industry awards, and were ultimately sold to Centrica in 2008, who saw them as the perfect platform to enter the Building Energy Management System market.
In 2011 Gary was back in the BEMS industry with the acquisition of Kendra Energy Solutions. Since then he and his management team have grown the business to a £35m plus company, which continues to grow profitably year on year.
Stuart has more than 25 years’ experience within the BEMS industry. Previously part of the divisional management team at Schneider Electric, Stuart made the transition to Kendra in 2013, where he has built the London Division to a multiple million-pound revenue business.
Having started out as an Electrical apprentice, and then a Building Services Engineer for MTM, Stuart began his career in controls at Satchwell Controls Systems Ltd. Rising rapidly through the ranks at Satchwell’s he progressed from support and commissioning engineer to regional management, to a prominent divisional management position. At Kendra, Stuart is integral in ensuring the success and dynamism of the team and continues to help drive the company forward.
Stuart lives with his family in Suffolk where he’s been a drummer in a covers band for over 25 years and also enjoys badminton, 5-a-side football and running.
Gary has 40+ years’ experience in building controls, energy management and smart buildings and is recognised as a pioneer in the sector, with industry networks throughout the UK and International markets.
Prior to Kendra, Gary founded Optimised Buildings, later merging with Octego to form the Optimised Group, growing the business to over 150 employees and £18m+ turnover before the BEMS division was acquired by Kendra Energy Solutions in 2026. Throughout his career with Andover Controls, CSI (both now Schneider), Plexus Technology and as an independent Consultant, Gary has been valued as a trusted client advisor, helping organisations turn ambitious sustainability goals into practical, measurable business outcomes across large real estate portfolios. He has a genuine passion for business growth, sales and marketing, proposition development, and driving the industry towards the latest innovation.
Outside of work, Gary is keen on fitness, padel and DIY, and loves spending time with his family, and going on holiday!
With over 30 years expertise in the HVAC controls and software industry, Shaun specialises in building automation, BMS, smart buildings, energy management and facilities management. He’s led major projects worldwide across various sectors, including data centres, retail, education, healthcare, renewable energy and commercial buildings.
Previously, Shaun collaborated with Gary and Chris to establish the midlands region of BMSi. Following the sale of BMSi, Shaun worked around the world in the renewable energy, IoT and workplace management arenas. As an entrepreneurial business leader, he has a strong track record in building and revitalising companies. Shaun’s customer-centric approach focuses on understanding client challenges to deliver innovative solutions tailored to their needs.
Outside of work, Shaun enjoys spending time with his growing family, especially now he’s a grandfather. He also volunteers for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in Tenby and still finds time to work with the Welsh Ambulance Service as a First Responder and Emergency Medical Technician.
John’s impressive 40-year career in BEMS has propelled him to an industry leading position.
Starting as a commissioning engineer, John’s worked in technical, managerial and leadership roles at various companies in the UK, Saudi Arabia and Oman. He excelled as a project manager before moving into sales.
As the Director of Sales at BG Energy Solutions, John drove sales revenue growth, cultivated key client relationships and expanded market opportunities for five years before joining Kendra.
His proven ability to deliver results in this competitive industry puts John in a fantastic position to advance Kendra’s strategic planning, operational performance and regional growth.
Outside of work, John’s an active member at Bramhall Golf Club and plays competitively at the weekends, come rain or shine. He’s a family man with three grown up children and a grandson he adores.
Given the time, John likes to get stuck into a bit of DIY and gardening, having just built an entire decking system. His pride and joy is his BMW i8.
Katie Reading started her career in the Building Services industry in 2008 working for Chris and Gary at BMSi as a Regional Administrator. In 2010 she moved to Kendra Energy Solutions and over her 12 year career within the BEMS industry has progressed in her role to Office Manager and now to Finance Manager, where she is responsible for overseeing the companies robust financial processes, the upkeep of all financial systems and monthly management reporting. She also provides support to the executive management team across all regions of Kendra.
Katie is married with a young daughter and son. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, eating out and exercising (occasionally!).
Steve is a highly experienced health & safety practitioner with over 36 years of service in the British Army, where he held a variety of operational and risk management roles. Throughout his military career, Steve developed extensive expertise in leadership, safety, and strategic risk assessment.
Following his military service, he has applied his knowledge across wider fields, including management and training provision. He is skilled in delivering both formal and informal training across a broad range of health and safety disciplines.
Steve is a Certified Member of the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM) and the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH).
In his spare time, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and particularly his grandson, as well as socialising with friends and enjoying the outdoors. He is a keen skier and also enjoys playing golf whenever possible.
As Kendra’s Key Account Director, Ben is responsible for developing and managing strategic relationships across the life science and aviation sectors. His role combines commercial leadership with operational responsibility, giving him a broad perspective across customer relationships, business performance and delivery.
He has extensive experience managing complex, high-value accounts and building long-term partnerships with customers where service, reliability and technical expertise are critical. Alongside his key account responsibilities, Ben manages regional operations and P&L performance, ensuring Kendra’s commercial strategy is aligned with operational excellence and sustainable business growth.
Working at the intersection of customers, people and business performance, Ben identifies opportunities to create value for clients and supports Kendra’s teams in delivering consistently high standards.
Passionate about developing strong partnerships, Ben understands customer challenges and brings together the right people and expertise to deliver effective, practical solutions.
Cavendish House
Bourne End Business Park
Cores End Road
Bourne End
Bucks SL8 5AS
T: 01628 945000
E: info@kendraenergy.co.uk
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